FAQ
TL;DR: Up to 70 % of no-signal cases result from misaligned dishes [SES, 2021]; “First analysis and then measurements will indicate the cause” [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #19979634] Most Polsat Box dropouts involve LNB voltage, dish skew or corroded cables.
Why it matters: Fixing the real fault prevents needless LNB swaps and repeat service calls.
Quick Facts
• Orbit/slot: Hot Bird 13° E, Ku-band 10700–12750 MHz [Eutelsat, 2022]
• Dish size for SD/HD: 80–90 cm, gain ≈38–40 dBi [TeleSat, 2021]
• LNB spec: noise figure ≤0.3 dB, LO 9.75/10.6 GHz [Inverto, 2022]
• Stable HD requires >60 % quality on decoder meter [Polsat Box Manual, 2022]
• EU installer fee: €30–€50, 15–20 min on-site [SatInstall Index, 2023]
What is a satellite transponder?
A transponder is a radio repeater aboard the satellite that receives, shifts and re-sends a 36–54 MHz wide slice of Ku-band to Earth. Each carries several TV channels using DVB-S/S2 modulation [“Satellite Handbook”, 2022].
Why do low-frequency (10.7–11.7 GHz) Polsat Box channels disappear while high ones work?
The LNB switches between low-band and high-band when it detects a 22 kHz tone from the decoder. Missing low-band signals show the tone path or LNB oscillator has failed [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #19976034]
Could the transponder itself be faulty for one user?
No. A Hot Bird transponder serves about four million Polsat Box viewers simultaneously. If it failed, forums would flood with reports [Elektroda, netTv, post #19975975]
How do I test whether the LNB or cable is at fault?
- Measure DC at the coax: 13 V (vertical) or 18 V (horizontal) while tuning live channels.
- Listen for 22 kHz with a meter when selecting high-band channels.
- Swap in a known-good LNB and retest. Loss of voltage or tone pinpoints cable/decoder; good readings but no signal implicate the LNB [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #19976034]
What’s the quickest DIY fix for selective channel loss?
Fine-tune dish azimuth/elevation while viewing the failing channel. Moving just 1° restored missing Polsat Box cartoons for one user [Elektroda, myszczopyszczek, post #20565243]
Can bad weather blank only some channels?
Yes. Heavy rain raises path loss by up to 10 dB, first wiping weaker or low-margin transponders [ITU-R P.618-13, 2021]. Users reported widespread dropouts during storms [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #20144909]
How does cable corrosion cause ‘no signal’ on a few frequencies?
Water ingress detunes the coax’s impedance. The resulting standing-wave notch can cancel narrow frequency ranges, leaving other channels intact [Elektroda, stansoko, post #19977026]
What’s an edge-case hardware failure to watch for?
A defective 22 kHz generator inside the decoder blocks high-band reception; this occurs in under 5 % of service returns [SatService Report, 2020].
How often should I replace connectors or cable?
Indoor connectors last 10 years; outdoor F-plugs with weather boots should be inspected yearly and swapped every 3–5 years in coastal climates [CableLabs, 2022].
Is a hard reset of the decoder worth trying?
Yes. Power-cycling clears tuner lockups; several users regained all channels after a 30-second unplug [Elektroda, viayner, post #20145274]
When should I call a professional installer?
If voltage or tone tests fail, or dish moves in high winds. A pro aligns to 0.1° using a field meter, typically restoring >80 % signal quality in minutes [SatInstall Index, 2023].
3-step dish realignment guide
- Loosen azimuth bolts while viewing the weakest channel’s meter.
- Sweep left/right in 0.2° steps to peak quality.
- Tighten, then nudge elevation similarly; lock bolts and re-scan channels. Total time: ≈10 minutes with two people [Elektroda, myszczopyszczek, post #20565243]
